What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure orthopedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems within a joint. In arthroscopic examination, the surgeon makes a small incision in the patient's skin and then inserts pencil sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. Light is transmitted through fiber optics to the end of the arthoscope that is inserted into the joint. By attaching the arthroscope to a miniature video camera, which magnifies up to 20x, the surgeon is able to visualize the interior of the joint through a very small incision rather than a large incision needed for traditional surgery.

The advantages of Arthroscopy:
*Generally easier on the patient than an open arthrotomy. One of the biggest advantages is much less pain associated with the procedure, allowing patients to use the limb earlier, with less loss of muscle tone.
*The arthroscope can be inserted into areas of the joint not visible in a traditional open surgical evaluation.
*The image is magnified up to 20x on the video monitor, allowing for a more detailed evaluation of the joint.
*The onset and development of osteoarthritis may also be expected to be less pronounced in comparison to an open arthrotomy.